His series of columns known as "Billy's List" helped to initiate the red scare that led to the Hollywood blacklist.

He began to study medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but when his father died leaving extensive gambling debts, Wilkerson quit school to support himself and his mother.

He continued to head The Hollywood Reporter and write his daily "Tradeviews" column until shortly before his death.

Wilkerson died of a heart attack on September 2, 1962, at his Bel-Air home, one day before The Hollywood Reporter's 32nd anniversary.

His wives were: When a friend won a Fort Lee, New Jersey movie theater in a bet, Wilkerson agreed to manage it in exchange for half the profits.